S. Giovanni Laterano, Centocelle, plan (recto) S. Giovanni Laterano, Centocelle, section (verso) 1500 - 1560

This is an architectural plan of S. Giovanni Laterano in Centocelle, rendered anonymously in ink on paper. The design prominently features the cross, a motif deeply embedded in Christian iconography, symbolizing sacrifice, redemption, and the intersection of the divine and earthly realms. Notice how this symbol echoes through time, from the early Christian catacombs to the grand cathedrals of the Gothic era. Here, the cruciform layout isn’t merely structural, but serves as a potent reminder of faith. Consider the psychological weight of this symbol: the cross elicits a powerful emotional response, tapping into our collective memory of suffering and salvation. Its architectural manifestation, as seen here, seeks to envelop the faithful, creating a space where the earthly and spiritual converge. The cross persists, a testament to its enduring power, continually resurfacing, evolving, and accruing new layers of meaning across history.